Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically active molecules containing oxygen and electrons with a strong tendency to form stronger bonds. They are used and formed by cellular processes, but an overabundance can be harmful to human cells and DNA. Antioxidants can neutralize excess ROS. ROS can be introduced into the body through the air we breathe, and can damage human DNA, potentially leading to genetic mutations and cancer. The body needs some ROS for basic metabolic functions, but too much can be harmful.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules that contain the element oxygen and are chemically very active. These molecules, which can take different forms, achieve this reactivity due to a common characteristic: the presence of an electron that has only one bond. Electrons in this state have a strong tendency to try to form stronger bonds, leading to chemical reactions. Reactive oxygen species can be as simple as superoxide molecules (O2-) or more complex molecules, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O22). These molecules, sometimes called oxidants or free radicals, are found within the human body and are both used and formed by cellular processes.
Cells in the human body use superoxide molecules in their conversion of food to energy and other metabolic functions. These biochemical processes are very complex, but many of them start with superoxide molecules that are converted into other reactive oxygen species, which are then used in further reactions. The body has natural means of dealing with these molecules, as numerous enzymes are intended to neutralize or convert them into a less reactive form. An overabundance of reactive oxygen molecules is potentially harmful and is thought to contribute to many destructive processes to human cells, DNA and ultimately overall health. Many foods and other supplements are marketed as containing antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize excess reactive oxygen species molecules, preventing them from harming the body.
Molecules such as reactive oxygen species can be introduced into the body in a variety of ways, but are primarily introduced through the air we breathe. Cigarette smoke and industrial exhausts contain large amounts of these types of molecules, which are known to be harmful to human tissue, particularly the lungs. Ozone (O3), a natural molecule, is also very chemically reactive, although it is present only in small quantities in the earth’s atmosphere.
Reactive oxygen species can damage human DNA by reacting with proteins contained in DNA strands. This damage can sometimes be repaired by the body’s natural defenses, but these defenses are imperfect and when repairs fail, the damage can lead to genetic mutations. Oxidative damage to DNA can cause reduced enzyme activity and has been linked to cancer. This potential damage to the body’s cells and tissues, due to a surplus of certain reactive oxygen species in combination with the need for a certain number of ROS molecules, creates something of a paradox. The body needs and uses some types of these molecules for basic metabolic functions, but too much can be harmful.
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